Scandal, tumultuous affairs and intense tabloid scrutiny – Ben Affleck has experienced it all.
When Affleck burst on to the scene with 90’s drama Good Will Hunting, it looked nothing would stop his rise to A-list Hollywood royalty. But things took a turn for the worse in the early 2000s. A combination of a string of box office duds and very public scandals damaged the star’s reputation seemingly beyond repair. Yet, Affleck has managed to claw himself back to the top of tinsel town’s A-list. How did he do this? By stepping behind the camera to deliver audiences the one-two sucker punch of Boston crime dramas Gone Baby Gone and The Town. This was followed by the knockout blow when he helmed, produced and starred in the Oscar winning Argo. From there, he was back on top with was starring roles in Gone Girl and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Sure, there have been some hiccups: Justice League failed to deliver at the box office and his response, or lack of, to a journalist’s question launched the sad Ben meme. But this man is Batman. Something that would have been unthinkable at the start of the decade.
So, who stuck with Affleck through both the good times and the bad times? And who’s no longer on the actor’s Christmas card list?
Here's 9 People Ben Affleck Is Still Close Friends With & 6 He Doesn't Talk To Anymore.
Not Friends: Kevin Smith
Ben Affleck and Kevin Smith have made five movies together. It was a creative partnership that gave the world Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Jersey Girl, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Despite having never appeared in any Clerks movie, that’s a fair chunk of appearances in Smith’s View Askewniverse. The two were tight. But then they got a lot less tight. At Comic-Con 2014, Smith told Yahoo! why the pair hadn’t spoken in years: "I have not been [close with him] in decades. That’s old Ben. He’s got a wife [Jennifer Garner] that don’t care for me at all [Laughs]. And plus, honestly, he probably don’t care for me at all anymore."
Maybe they'll re-kindle their relationship in the future?
But, to be fair, Smith was one of the few to defend the casting of Affleck as Batman when a lot of people doubted the actor’s suitability for the role. In an interview with Variety, Smith outlines how Affleck’s Batman looks like Frank Miller’s version of the iconic character. Teasingly, the director also reveals that after Affleck shot Daredevil, he told the director to remind him never to play another costumed superhero. When Smith read about Affleck’s casting as Batman, he almost picked up the phone to remind his erstwhile friend what he had said years before. Almost.
Friends: George Clooney
Ben Affleck and George Clooney both picked up Best Picture Academy Awards for their producing work on the Affleck-helmed thriller Argo. The pair have also both played Batman. Clooney appeared in the much-derided Batman & Robin and Affleck donned the cowl in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Clooney even gave Affleck advice on playing Batman. Although that advice is ‘unrepeatable’ according to Affleck.
The tabloid press went into meltdown when Affleck missed Clooney’s wedding to Amal Alamuddin in Venice, Italy. Turns out Affleck was promoting Gone Girl in New York at the time. Even for international jet-setters, being halfway around the world is a pretty good excuse for missing your bro’s wedding. Affleck’s then wife, Jennifer Garner, played up to the press speculation, jokingly saying the real reason was that Clooney didn’t want the pair at the wedding was because the first time she met Clooney she smelt strongly of lice treatment.
Will Clooney and Affleck ever appear on the screen together? Well, with both coming off directorial bombs (Affleck’s Live by Night and Clooney’s Suburbicon) some extra star power couldn’t hurt either of them right now. But with Clooney slated for the upcoming adaptation of Catch-22 and an untitled Paul Greenhouse project, it might be a little bit longer until the two friends appear on the silver screen together.
Not Friends: Gwyneth Paltrow
Between Brad Pitt and Coldplay singer Chris Martin, Gwyneth Paltrow dated Ben Affleck. The two were an item between 1997 and 2000, making regular appearances on the red carpet together. Paltrow even thanked Affleck in her acceptance speech for the Best Actress Oscar at the 1999 Academy Awards.
The two first appeared together in Shakespeare in Love, when Affleck took the support role of Ned Alleyn. They then went on the star in 1999’s Bounce. In the long-forgotten movie, Affleck stars as a man who falls in love with a young widow. In a strange twist of fate, it turns out his character was partially responsible for the death of her husband. While the film wasn’t a hit with the critics or at the box office, it is notable in that it was filmed during a break in the couple’s on-and-off-again relationship.
This year, Paltrow shed some light on her past relationships on the Howard Stern show, describing her time with Affleck as a "lesson". I guess you always learn something from past relationships. While it’s not clear if Affleck and Paltrow are on speaking terms any more, Paltrow is definitely friendly with another of Affleck’s exes, Jennifer Garner’s. In fact, Garner’s first public appearance after getting divorced from Affleck was at a telecast alongside Paltrow.
Friends: Charlie Sheen
Back in the early-noughties, Ben Affleck’s career was flying. Sure, not all the choices he made were the right ones, but he was being offered roles in big films like Armageddon and Pearl Harbor. However, at the same time Affleck was also battling alcoholism. When Affleck needed help combating his addiction in 2001, he reached out to close friends who put him in touch with hell raiser Charlie Sheen.
No stranger to battles with addiction, Sheen found Affleck a room at the Promises Treatment Center. This exclusive cliff-top drug and alcohol rehab centre in Malibu has counted Robert Downey Jr., Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears among its guests. The former guest, Charlie Sheen, even drove Affleck out to the centre to check-in for the start of his 30-day program. According to the centre’s website, guests can choose from a wide-range of therapies, including yoga and meditation.
At the time, Affleck told The Hollywood Reporter: “I went to rehab for being 29 and partying too much and not having a lot of boundaries and to clear my head and try to get some idea of who I wanted to be.” Affleck has continued to battle this addiction with his most recent stint in rehab coming in 2017.
Not Friends: Michael Bay
Michael Bay directed Ben Affleck in two back-to-back films, Armageddon and Pearl Harbor. While neither is exactly considered a classic, you might have expected that after teaming up for two films there would be more to come from the pair. After all, Affleck made five with Kevin Smith. However, maybe the reason goes back to Affleck’s hilarious commentary for Armageddon. Usually commentaries can be love-ins, with directors and actors patting themselves on the backs no matter how good (or bad) the movie was. That wasn’t the case with Affleck’s Armageddon commentary. In his commentary, Affleck dropped some truth bombs that must’ve stung the director.
Micheal Bay seems to have quite the temper, as Ben isn't the first actor he had a falling out with.
Here’s Affleck recounting what Bay had to say when he pointed out one of the film’s many plot holes, that it would probably be easier to train astronauts to be drillers in a week than the other way around: "He was like, ‘You know, Ben. Just shut up, OK? This is the real [NASA] plan, alright?’ I was like, ‘ You mean it’s a real plan at NASA to train oil drillers?’ He was like, ‘Just shut your mouth!'" Bay’s not the first to be made fun of in a director’s commentary, as Spartacus author Howard Fast used his commentary to slam everything from Kirk Douglas’ acting to fight scenes he considered pointless. And that movie is considered a classic. Good job he wasn’t asked for his thoughts on Bay’s meteorite vs space oil drillers movie.
Friends: Jimmy Kimmel
In the epic, long-running "feud" between Jimmy Kimmel and Matt Damon, Ben Affleck has finally taken sides. But is it with his long-time Bostonian best bud? Nope. It’s with Kimmel. After learning that Matt Damon had dumped him for the God of Thunder himself, Chris Hemsworth, Affleck tweeted that Hemsworth could keep Damon. He was Team Kimmel.
Obviously, this was all done with tongue firmly in cheek. For more than a decade, Jimmy Kimmel Live has ended with the late night host saying that he’s run out of time for Matt Damon. This "feud" has resulted in viral videos, including one where Affleck and Kimmel get very, very close, and Damon hijacking the show with Kimmel bound in duct tape in the background. Not bad for something that started when, after a particularly disparaging show, Kimmel ad-libbed that he didn't have time for Damon.
Affleck has always been a regular on Jimmy Kimmel’s couch. He even helped the comedian celebrate his 50th birthday by appearing in a trailer for fake superhero film Jimmy Kimmel’s The Terrific Ten. In the trailer, Affleck plays the lead superhero Muscle Man who goes up against his archenemy, the despicable Dr Bolt. Who plays Bolt? You guessed it. Damon.
Not Friends: The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Security Team
It’s no secret that Ben Affleck has always been into cards. He was, after all, the California State Poker Champion back in 2004. But it’s not just poker that he’s good at. Affleck’s also an accomplished blackjack player. In fact, so accomplished that the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas security team asked him to leave the casino after they spotted him counting cards, while playing blackjack at a high-rollers’ table. While counting cards isn’t illegal, it is a strategy that can give players an advantage over the casino.
Counting cards earned Affleck a lifetime-ban from the casino.
Affleck’s been incredibly candid about the whole thing, telling Details magazine: "That is true. I took some time to learn the game and became a decent blackjack player. And once I became decent, the casinos asked me not to play blackjack." Previously, Affleck had been courted by casinos unaware at his black jack prowess. That’s all changed. When he was at a casino in Canada while filming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the casino management informed him that he wouldn’t be allowed at the blackjack tables. Although , this time he wasn’t thrown out of the casino. Instead other games were pointed out to him.
Friends: Casey Affleck
Born to Timothy Affleck and Chris Anne Boldt, the Affleck brothers have been acting since childhood. Now Ben has directed an Oscar winning movie and Casey has won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in Manchester by the Sea. Not too shabby for two kids from Boston. Ben’s always been there for Casey. Not only did Casey appear in Good Will Hunting, but big bro Ben also helped his brother make the leap to leading man status when he cast him in his directorial debut Gone Baby Gone.
Anyone who has seen Gone Baby Gone will tell you Casey Affleck is excellent as private investigator Patrick Kenzie. It’s easy to believe there was a certain degree of nepotism involved, although Ben Affleck denies this, telling Uncut magazine: "Obviously I would figure people would just think this was nepotism, even though I knew it wasn’t. I was making this choice, as I think it’s clear to anyone now, on the fact that’s he’s obviously the right guy for the role."
Being the brother of Matt Damon’s best friend is no bad thing. When Damon couldn’t find the time in his schedule to take the lead part Manchester by the Sea, which he was also producing, he brought in Casey Affleck. When he picked up his golden statue for the part, big brother Ben was on hand with a bear hug.
Not Friends: Rose McGowan
Rose McGowan had been a regular fixture of 90s cinema. Her credits include the original Scream (produced by Harvey Weinstein’s Miramax), Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez’s Grindhouse, and tv show Charmed. Rose McGowan has more recently been in the public eye as accusations emerged of Harvey Weinstein’s history of inappropriate behaviour and unwanted advances towards young actresses. The actress has come forward to detail her own experiences with the producer and called out other actors and industry figures who she believes knew of the Hollywood mogul’s alleged behavior. This includes former Phantoms co-star Ben Affleck.
Affleck was one of the first to release a public statement condemning Weinstein’s actions. He also expressed his sadness and anger that a man he worked with had abused his position. However, McGowan publicly responded to Affleck’s statement on Twitter, saying that he knew of Weinstein’s behavior (McGowan’s response also controversially resulted in her temporary suspension from the social media site). This led to a Twitter user to tweet allegations that Affleck had acted inappropriately towards host Hilarie Burton. Affleck continues to be tied up in the ongoing dispute. Recently Weinstein’s lawyers publicly released emails between Affleck and the producer in an attempt to discredit McGowan. McGowan told the BBC, "I had hoped that if you can cut of the head of power, that you can achieve a lot." McGowan has since put her story into words with the publication of her memoir, Brave.
Friends: Jennifer Lopez
When Ben Affleck got together with Jennifer Lopez, he was transiting to leading man status, as big budget films like Armageddon were light years away from Good Will Hunting. Lopez was an established actress and pop sensation. Both were at the top of their game when they met on the set of Gigli.
The couple fell in love and were quickly engaged. Affleck is said to have proposed with a pink diamond ring costing $1.2 million. During their intense 18-month relationship, the two were collectively known as ‘Bennifer’. Affleck even starred in Lopez’s much-derided video for Jenny from the Block, lounging on a yacht with the singer - a far cry from his Boston roots. Things came to a head when the couple called off their engagement in 2004 under intense press speculation. Lopez was reportedly heartbroken, writing the confessional track Dear Ben in response.
Then there was Gigli. Often cited as one of the worst films of all time, it's director, Martin Brest, hasn't directed since. Gigli starred Affleck and Lopez as two gangsters tasked with kidnapping the brother of a federal prosecutor. The film bombed at the box office, earning a paltry $7.2 million against a $75 million production budget. It was going to be hard for any Hollywood couple to survive that disaster. Despite that, the two are still friends. They even enjoyed a playful moment together at the 2015 Oscars.
Friends: Jennifer Garner
Despite divorcing last year, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner continue to be close friends. The two actors originally met on the set of Pearl Harbor in 2000, although at the time Garner was married to actor Scott Foley. Flash forward two years and the pair met again on the set of Daredevil, Affleck’s first go at being a superhero up against Garner’s Elektra. They even teamed up again in the Daredevil spin-off, Elektra, although Affleck’s scenes were left on the cutting room floor. However, it wasn’t until 2004 that the two actors finally got together, making their first public appearance at a Boston Red Sox game. 10 years later they’d married, had children and eventually got a divorce. All during what many consider Affleck’s most successful creative period when he started his journey to becoming an award-winning director.
The couple have commendably put their issues aside to be good parents to their children.
Since their divorce, the couple have been regularly seen in each other’s company. Usually, this is co-parenting their three children. Recent family outings include a visit to Hawaii, where Affleck is currently shooting Triple Frontier. Affleck is now dating Saturday Night Live producer Lindsay Shookus and was rumoured to be looking for property in New York. Yet he still lives close to Garner and his kids in California. Affleck has even snagged a $19 million mansion in California’s Pacific Palisades area. That's just a mile from Garner, who lives in the couple’s mansion in Mandeville Canyon.
Not Friends: Harvey Weinstein
In the mid-nineties, Harvey Weinstein was at the height of his power. His production company, Miramax, was famous for making the careers of several young actors and filmmakers. This included Ben Affleck, who co-wrote and co-starred in the Miramax produced Good Will Hunting. Affleck followed that film with Chasing Amy and Shakespeare in Love, all made for the mogul’s studio.
This association has gotten Affleck caught in the fallout over allegations of Weinstein’s history of misconduct. Affleck was quick to respond to the scandal by releasing a statement condemning Weinstein’s actions. This only led to him being called out by Rose McGowan on Twitter for having double standards. This was then followed by actress Hilarie Burton accusation that Affleck acted inappropriately towards her on an episode of TRL in 2003.
Affleck has since publicly apologized and agreed to donate all residues from the films he made with Weinstein to charity. He has also described his relationship with Weinstein as ‘tainted’. The actor told Stephen Colbert on the Late Show: "I think the most important thing to do is to support the voices that are coming forward, believe them, and create a business where more women are empowered and in place so less of this happens…"
What's happening with his former producer? Currently Weinstein is facing up to 25 years in prison after pleading not guilty to the charges at the New York Supreme Court. An ignominious end for the mogul.
Friends: Tom Brady
Ben Affleck and the New England Patriot’s star quarterback go back. They were first spotted together at a party following the White House Correspondents Dinner back in 2004. The two quickly hit it off. Even Affleck’s long-time bro Matt Damon has recognized the chemistry between the actor and the five-time Super Bowl winner. Damon told E!News: "Just say the name Tom Brady, he'll crack into a big smile - anytime." Affleck even had Brady’s back during the Deflategate scandal. The scandal revolved around accusations that the New England Patriots had under-inflated footballs on purpose in their victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the 2015 AFC Championship Game. Brady may have been suspended and fined, but Affleck wasn’t afraid to very publicly defend his friend’s honor on both Jimmy Kimmel Live and Any Given Wednesday with Bill Simmons.
After Deflategate, Affleck quickly defended his fellow Bostonian.
Then there was Affleck’s nanny-gate scandal. When Tom Brady let Affleck and the actor’s kids’ nanny, Christine Ouzounian, hitch a ride to Las Vegas, he probably wasn’t expecting a photo of Ouzounian wearing his Super Bowl rings being leaked to the press. Thing is, Affleck’s kids weren’t on board or waiting for him in Las Vegas. Speculation mounted that it was Affleck’s relationship with Ouzounian that was the reason behind his divorce from Jennifer Garner days after the Las Vegas trip. Something that both men deny.
Not Friends: Molly Bloom
When an accident dashed Molly Bloom’s dreams of becoming an Olympic skier, she did what anyone else would have. She opened a high-profile poker game in the infamous Los Angeles’ bar, the Viper Room. Famous players at the high-stakes game included Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire and one Ben Affleck. While Bloom’s tell-all book Molly’s Game doesn’t name names, she has revealed that Affleck was tall, handsome and a pretty good player. He even brought his friend Matt Damon to one of the games, who she describes as mild mannered and polite.
Bloom was dealing the cards and Affleck played the game.
Bloom revealed to ABC’s 20/20 that players had both six figure wins and six-figure loses. Making her money from tips, Bloom picked up a cool $4 million in one year alone. In one of the most famous tales from the game, it’s been alleged that Tobey Maguire tried to make Bloom bark like a seal for a chip. Unsurprisingly, Bloom refused. The film adaptation of Molly’s Game marked famed scriptwriter Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut. Jessica Chastain took the lead role as Bloom, while Kevin Costner and Idris Elba filled out the deck in the film’s impressive cast. But we’re thinking that Affleck probably doesn’t hang out with Bloom after the authorities shut down her poker game.
Friends: Matt Damon
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have known each other since childhood, when they met at Boston’s Cambridge Ringe and Latin school. Since that fateful day they’ve shared a bank account, moved out to Los Angeles together, and wrote and starred in an Academy Award winning movie (Good Will Hunting). All while remaining best friends. After Good Will Hunting launched them into the stratosphere, Affleck went off to star in big budget films like Pearl Harbor and Armageddon, while Damon starred in Saving Private Ryan. Initially, it looked like Affleck’s star would burn brighter. But after a string of flops and being a tabloid whipping boy, Affleck’s star began to wane while best friend Damon went on to star in the Bourne franchise.
Ben and Damon are the best example of the "I love you, Bro" meme.
Yet they’ve always had each other’s backs, through the high times and the low times. Commenting on Affleck’s mid-noughties status, Damon told the Hollywood Reporter: 'There's nobody more misunderstood. Ten years ago, the public image of him could not have been farther apart from who he actually is." Whether it’s arguing over who loves Tom Brady more, working on their Project Greenlight documentary series, or just plain hanging out, the two have continued to be best bros despite the intense glare of the Hollywood spotlight. So epic, so enduring is their bromance that they even won the coveted Guys of the Decade award at Spike’s 10th Annual Guys Choice Award.
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